Nurse Practitioner Salary in Colorado
Based on 4K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$132,930
$63.91/hr
vs National Average
$133,771
-0.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$88K – $170K
4K employed in Colorado
Nurse Practitioner salary in Colorado averages $132,930 annually, positioning the state slightly below the national median. With approximately 4,270 Nurse Practitioners employed across Colorado, the profession offers competitive compensation in the healthcare sector. Salaries in this field range from $87,770 to $170,310, reflecting the diversity of experience and specialization within the workforce.
Several factors influence Nurse Practitioner compensation in Colorado, including years of clinical experience, specialty certification, and geographic location within the state. Educational credentials, advanced certifications, and the employing facility type—whether hospital, private practice, or urgent care—significantly impact earning potential. Rural versus urban practice settings may also affect salary levels, as demand and cost of living vary across different regions.
Salary Distribution — Nurse Practitioner in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $87,770 |
| 25th percentile | $118,410 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $132,930 |
| 75th percentile | $150,990 |
| 90th percentile | $170,310 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nurse Practitioner (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nurse Practitioners the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nurse Practitioners in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,910 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $134,880 | 2K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $133,550 | 6K |
| Finance and Insurance | $133,340 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $132,800 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nurse Practitioner in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $118,590 |
| 2023 | $124,280 |
| 2024 | $129,750 |
| 2025 | $132,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,188 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $118,590 | $118,452 |
| 2023 | $124,280 | $125,602 |
| 2024 | $129,750 | $129,125 |
| 2025 | $132,930 | $133,771 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,188 | $137,050 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $118,410 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $132,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $150,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $170,310 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Other States
Related Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Nurse Practitioner ($132,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nurse Practitioner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +159.0% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +125.7% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +100.4% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +99.8% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +47.8% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +25.1% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +17.4% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +14.3% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +7.3% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +3.5% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +1.5% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +1.2% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse practitioners make in Colorado?
- Nurse practitioners in Colorado earn a median salary of $132,930 per year, or approximately $64 per hour. This is slightly below the national average at -0.6%, meaning Colorado NP salaries are competitive with the rest of the country.
What is the salary range for nurse practitioners in Colorado?
- The salary range for nurse practitioners in Colorado spans from $87,770 at the lower end to $170,310 at the higher end. This $82,540 spread reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many nurse practitioners are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 4,270 nurse practitioners currently employed in Colorado, indicating a substantial job market for this healthcare profession in the state.
Is a nurse practitioner salary in Colorado above or below the national average?
- Colorado's nurse practitioner median salary of $132,930 is slightly below the national average by 0.6%. Despite this modest difference, the compensation remains competitive and aligns closely with what NPs earn across the United States.